In front of a crowded room of cheering supporters Thursday evening, Milinda Ysasi announced her candidacy for second ward city commissioner.
“The second ward is diverse and vast and the campaign that I will run will focus on listening to individuals from across the ward.”
Ysasi currently serves as Executive Director of the Source, a Grand Rapids employer funded organization to help employees navigate barriers that prevent them from getting to their jobs.
“She’s always been and always will be inclusive and she’s far from egotistical and self-centered – important qualities for leadership. She is a leader that has demonstrated servant leadership. She is not advancing her career. She is advancing opportunity for others.”
That is Grand Rapids City Commissioner, Ruth Kelly, endorsing Ysasi during the announcement held at Creston Brewery in the second ward. If elected, Ysasi would replace Kelly and make history by being the first Latina serving in the Grand Rapids City Commission. Commissioner Senita Lenear also endorsed Ysasi.
“I will use my experiences in the public and private sector to make sure that the conversations and policy regarding housing in our community are absolutely linked to workforce development systems.”
Ysasi is being challenged by Wendy Falb, completed her term as board member of the Grand Rapids School board this past December. Election primaries will be held in August of this year.
Michelle Jokisch Polo, WGVU News.
